Cautious support for plan to spawn Palm Island tourism

Queensland Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey says it is too early to say what kind of funds would be available to develop a tourism industry on Palm Island in the state's north.

Premier Campbell Newman has called on State Cabinet to support establishing a tourism operation on the island.

Ms Stuckey says more talks are needed with the Palm Island Council and other stakeholders before money for infrastructure and advertising can be considered.

"I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves there," she said.

"I mean it would be ideal to look at that but if we proceed these plans in a positive way than it would be included.

"Whatever Palm Island had as far as tourism opportunities they would be included in Tourism and Events Queensland's general campaigns."

Job creation

Member for Townsville John Hathaway says the plans to create tourism jobs on Palm Island are feasible.

He says the Government wants to find ways to build the island's economy.

"It's the opportunity for the development of an economy that doesn't rely on welfare and that's probably the strong driver," he said.

"I know the community leadership, particularly the Mayor and Council and the elders are trying to wean the island and wean its members off welfare."

Palm Island Mayor Alf Lacey says there are already a number of visitors coming to the island but the community needs to find more ways to develop its tourism offerings.

"We have visitors every day coming to the island and one of our biggest visitors are the bureaucratic visitors flying in and flying out," he said.

"Certainly we feel that we need to turn that around and also visitors who can spend on our island and leave a bit of money and create some kind of a job or economic prosperity, particularly for the young people of the island."